Options should be seen as worthless; they're mostly an instrument to deceive and screw over employees. It's like a lottery ticket. I would never accept options

Options should be seen as worthless; they're mostly an instrument to deceive and screw over employees. It's like a lottery ticket. I would never accept options from any startup. I will only accept shares if I know and trust the founder(s) or if there is a way to cash out early. The last startup I worked for full time for 2 years added a clause to my contract which allows me to sell my shares as part of each capital raise that they do. Over the past few years since I left, I've had two opportunities to cash out. The last one looked pretty decent but I trust the founders so I decided to hold. It's nice to have the choice.